[ntp:questions] Frequency Offset

unruh unruh at invalid.ca
Fri Feb 24 06:06:16 UTC 2012


On 2012-02-23, Alby VA <albyva at empire.org> wrote:
> On Feb 23, 4:29?pm, unruh <un... at invalid.ca> wrote:
>>
>> No, that is a very typical figure for the frequency offset. Remember
>> that the crystals used to control the timing in computers are not
>> supposed to be terribly accurate. (They are chosen to be cheap, not
>> great).
>> It is because such frequency offsets exist that ntp was invented to
>> correct.
>>
>
>
>
>   When you say "crystals used to control the timing in computers",
> are you referring to the parts that make up my actual FreeBSD
> Server (ie: Motherboard)?  Or Parts in the GPS Device (ie: Sure Elec.
> GPS)?

On your motherboard. 


> Or in the Satellites receiving the GPS signal?
>
>  I'm just trying to gauge, what hardware should be looking to obtain
> to
> improve that frequency offset. Or is it a moot point unless I'm going
> to
> invest in some high dollar atomic clock?

An atomic clock.

>
>  Or better yet, can I buy quality crystals from DigiKey and do some
> soldering in whatever devices that need crystal upgrading?

No.

And why do you care? As I said this is waht ntp was invented for. It is
doing its job. 

Note that even all of the time standard labs around the world use
programs like ntp to track their frequency offsets.
And all atomic clocks have them.


>
>



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